Cruise Along the Pan-American High-way
Not the one in California no, San Jose the capital city of the nation of Costa Rica. Located at nearly four thousand feet above sea level on the central plateau highlands, the city also finds itself on the famous Pan-American high-way which is great to drive along in your hired car.
A Good Starting Point
A good place to start on your trip is the Plaza de la Cultura, this is the place where tourists and locals come to interact, whether that be over a cold drink, a plate of hot food, or just strolling and soaking in the atmosphere
Museums and Architecture
The city contains some fine examples of colonial architecture, for example in the Amon district, once a stuffy, highbrow district, now home to some excellent bars and clubs. The National Ministry of Culture can also be found in Amon, as well as the contemporary art museum- both of which can easily reached in your cheap hired car.
While on the subject of museums, the National Museum has a fine collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and the famous Jade Museum displays a collection of jewelry and trinkets made from jade. Seeing as the museum is on the 11th floor of the national insurance tower, a visit also gives you a great view over the city and its surrounding area.
Why Not Take a Trip to the Theatre?
The National Theatre is well worth a visit, and the building housing it is worth a look itself. The other major theatre is the Melico Salazar Theater, named after the world renowned singer Melico Salazar Theater, most of the performances here are either opera or orchestral.
Cross the nearby park, (free concerts at the pavilion on Sundays 10 am) to get to San Jose’s most important religious structure, the neo-classical Cathedral Metropolitana, built in 1871. For those desiring to get out of the metropolis, 30 or so miles to north of San Jose in your rented car you’ll find the Poás Volcanic National Park.
